Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these restorations are embedded in your jawbone to function like the root of a tooth for greater strength and stability.
However, it’s important to be well-informed before undergoing a major procedure that permanently impacts the condition of your grin. If you’re unsure of what your dentist is referring to when discussing implants, you might feel anxious or intimidated and avoid scheduling your procedure. Continue reading to learn about some typical terms you should know when discussing dental implants!
What Important Dental Implant Terms Should I Know?
If your provider uses verbiage that you’re unfamiliar with, you might feel frustrated, confused, or scared of your upcoming procedure. Below are some basic definitions of common words or phrases to help clarify things for you:
- Abutment. This is a small connector piece that attaches to the top of the implant placed in your jawbone and is responsible for holding the restoration (crown, bridge, or dentures) in place.
- Ceramic. Many dental prosthetics are made from this durable material which consists of high-quality heat-hardened clay. This reflects light like enamel and can be color-matched to your natural teeth.
- Crown. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that’s placed over a damaged tooth or an implant to fill the gaps in your grin.
- Endosteal implant. This is the most common type of dental implant and involves placing small screws, plates, blades, or cylinders into the jawbone surgically to hold at least one artificial tooth.
- Eposteal implant. This type of restoration receives support by resting directly on the jawbone and is often considered “outdated,” but can still be helpful if the risk of jawbone resorption is high.
- Osseointegration. During your recovery period, your mouth undergoes this process in which new bone growth surrounds and encompasses the recently placed implant until they permanently fuse together.
- Subperiosteal implant. This kind of implant rests on top of the jaw with the posts protruding through the gums to hold your prosthetics in place. This can be ideal for patients with minimal bone height.
- Titanium. Most dental implants use titanium for the support rod because it’s incredibly strong but lightweight, very few people are allergic, and it’s biocompatible so your body isn’t likely to reject it.
- Zirconia. This biocompatible ceramic can be used in place of the titanium rod if you’re allergic to the metal.
If you still have unanswered questions, feel free to bring them up! Most dentists are happy to discuss the details with you to provide clarity so you can move forward confidently.
About the Practice
Patients at Frandsen Dental of Orem benefit from a team of experts with 25+ years of combined experience helping people of all ages improve their smiles. They understand that everyone’s needs are unique, so they take the time to get to know your individual goals and concerns to provide customized treatment plans to meet them. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. They proudly place your implant and provide your restoration in the office so you don’t have to seek an outside oral surgeon. You can request an appointment on the website or call (801) 224-7900.